McCloud is introduced to Vince Polk. In "Horse Stealing on Fifth Avenue," (episode 1.2), he was a detective second grade relaying information to Chief Clifford (himself a lieutenant at the time). Here he is a detective lieutenant in charge of the investigation into the strangling. In the next installment, "Our Man in Paris," (episode 1.6), he will be a detective assisting Broadhurst. Then he is off the show for the next three seasons, reappearing (again as an assistant detective) in "This Must Be the Alamo" (episode 4.5). He keeps this job until the series finale, "McCloud Meets Dracula" (episode 7.6) when he is a S.W.A.T. tactical officer.
While the show is set in New York, the Hollywood sign is visible in the distance in the opening shot.